Msgr. Norb celebrates his birthday with the students.
On the feast day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a group of students greeted other students and parents at the drop-off line in the morning.
September Kindness Raffle Winners!
The Virtues kick-off our school year under an umbrella of LOVE. We were visited by the virtues of gratitude, compassion, patience, and unity.
Students, teachers, priests, and staff all wear the virtue shirts for our kick-off and on the second Wednesday of every month.
All school mass students take the pledge to live the virtues.
==============================================================================================================================
Farewell to Fr. Noah Waldman: At his last school mass at SMMA, the students presented him with a spiritual bouquet, a plant, and a bank in the shape of Noah's Ark.
And offered a blessing upon him.
Just because we had a little rain on field day and the field was too wet, our spirits did get dampened. We all enjoyed a trip to the snow cone truck and games in the gym. Thanks Mrs. Krus for all your hard work.
First step--get a cup of shaved ice.
Second step--add some flavoring.
Last step--enjoy!
And when you finished your snow cone, it was on to the gym for some games.
Field day was fun, even with the rain.
The ace reporter returns to interview Dr. V. Gudha Beet about whether the virtues really had been the perfect chemistry for SMMA.
Dr. V. Gudha Beet's Minions stirred the bubble pot, collected the flags to retire those virtues, and then distributed virtue potion to help the students bubble over with the virtues.
Bubbling Over with Excitement about the Virtues!
SMMA's virtue flags on display.
St. Family Activities - February 29, 2016
Many St. Families made LENTEN CROSSES from clothespins.
St. Casimir Family making Hearts of Courage that let the light shine through them.
SMMA celebrates Dress a Teacher for the homeless day. Students voted with their pennies to pick the teachers to dress up. We raised over $400.
Mission Carnival--planned by 8th grade, run by 8th grade, fun for all...
Human pool
Prizes!
JENGA !!!
Spoon Race
Catholic Schools Week Fun
Teacher team waiting to take the court.
Mr. Cooper started the teachers off with a big lead.
The Deacon was unstoppable!
Team strategy session for the teachers.
Fan support!
That's a winner!
The all-school winner of Heads and Tails from kindergarten.
Welcome to SMMA Day!
We celebrated the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque by learning about her life and her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Friday Prayer Partner Masses are a favorite for the students. They sit with their prayer partners. The older students help them find places in the song books and provide role models for them. The younger students just love spending time with their partners.
We are on our way to Mass with our prayer partners.
Waiting for our sixth grade buddies to meet us.
Our families come in many ways to celebrate with us--parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Our monthly Virtue Mass is a family commitment and celebration.
FAMILIES ATTENDING OUR VIRTUE MASSES
Families come for the monthly virtue mass, pledge their commitment to a family virtue, and sit together for the celebration of the Eucharist.
VIRTUE COMMITMENT MASS (VBRD KICK-OFF)
Dr. V. Gudha Beet showed us how to use the virtues to make the perfect chemistry for a happy life.
8th grade provided the music and inspiration.
8th graders are collecting the virtue bubbles the children made.
8th grade and 7th grade doing the readings.
WELCOME TO A BRAND NEW SCHOOL YEAR --2015-2016
Come on friend, ride with us.
Take a ride upon our bus.
Arrival on the first day of school.
Greetings from Msgr. Norb and Mrs. Freiling
Prayer Service on the first day
Welcome to the new students....
Welcome to the new teachers...
Our journey begins...
with a good attitude...
and effort...
and cooperation...
and interest and enthusiasm.
Take a ride on
our energy bus.
2014-2015
MAY CROWNING
A crown is brought forward.
ARRIVAL TIME
Arrival time means faith and responsibility as students come to school with their bookbags packed with homework, supplies, and essentials for a day at school. Second graders came dressed in their First Communion clothes for Mass and the May Crowning. Students also brought tasty treats for a Cinqo de Mayo festival in Spanish classes, car seats for field trips, and canned goods for the homeless. Sometimes it is too much to carry and someone else needs to lend a hand.
Families gathered to present their shields at the May Virtue Mass where first grade highlighted the virtue of kindness.
FIELD DAY AT SMMA!
It was a beautiful, warm (but not hot) day in May. The 8th graders lead their Saint Families from game to game that the parent volunteers had set up for them to play. At the end of the day, everyone had popsicles.
Sack races and 3 legged races
Operation--an old game with a new twist.
Waiting for a scooter.
Duck scooter relay race - it's harder than it looks to keep the scooter in your own lane.
Building towers.
There's more than one way!
The parachute is always a favorite activity!
Time ball takes a great thrower and great catchers.
Hula hoops require coordination, even for just moving them down the line.
Popsicles for everyone to end the day!
Families gathered to present their shields at the Virtue Mass in April.
After presenting their shields, the families sat together for Mass.
Families gathered in March to present their Virtue Shields at mass.
Families gathered to present their Virtue Shields at the February Virtue Mass.
Fourth grade highlighted the virtue of Self-Control and led us during the Virtue Mass.
Fourth grade showed us what self-control looks like and what it sounds like.
For Catholic Schools Week, all of the Family Virtue Shields were on display in the hallways of SMMA!
A close up view of a few of the Family Virtue Shields:
January Virtue Mass celebrating the virtue of Friendship with the families presenting their Virtue Shields
Fifth grade taught us about friendship, using the relationship between Jesus and the Apostles as an example of what friendship means.
Before going home for our two week Christmas break, we gathered to celebrate the Eucharist together. The sixth graders reminded us to Prepare the Way of the Lord.
During Advent, students in K-4 gathered together for a weekly prayer service on Monday mornings.
Families gather for the monthly Virtue Mass and presentation of their family virtue shields.
THANKSGIVING MASS
The Thanksgiving Mass is always a favorite. It begins with all of the 8th graders singing about being thankful.
Then, Monsignor Norb leads the students in song about what they are grateful for. The students are eager to share.
At the Offertory, the students bring forth their loose change Key Players gifts to present.
Eighth graders carry trays of food to represent the food donations that the students have collected.
October 1 Virtue Mass and Family Shield Presentation
Families gather at the back of church for Mass.
Families entered together...
...and awaited their turn.
Thanks to all the families who presented their shields at this mass.
Families sat together for the Mass
Eighth grade taught us about the virtue of responsibility and what it means.
Commitment Mass - September 24, 2014
Every student at SMMA chose a virtue that they want to work on this year and wrote the virtue on a leaf. The leaves were attached together to form a tree.
Each class brought their virtue flag forward to remind us of the virtues we are working on to make SMMA a better and kinder place.
Everyone stood to pledge their commitment to living a life of virtue.
StuCo co-chair leads the 8th graders in a pledge.
8th graders stand to take a Leadership Pledge to live and help others live a life of virtue.
Representatives from each homeroom came forward to receive their virtue shirts to wear on the first Wednesday of the month when a new virtue is highlighted.
Our fabulous multi-grade choir for the Commitment Mass!
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2014-2015
Our day began with the arrival of students being greeted by teachers, the principal, and Monsignor Norb. Many parents walked with their children. We began the day with a prayer over the PA system and had a prayer service in the church.
At the end of the first day, a group of 8th graders decorated the fence with a message for the new school year to LIVE VIRTUES by spelling out the words with blue and yellow cups.
PLANNING FOR SCHOOL 2014 - 2015
Many teachers attend classes, workshops, and seminars during the summer on various topics. This summer, eleven teachers from SMMA: Mrs. Tague, Mrs. Diel, Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Stievens, Mrs. Hasenstab, Mrs. Schneider, Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Pagano, Mrs. Cashel, Mrs. Proot, and Mrs. Freiling; attended the four day Virtue Based Restorative Summer Institute. Mrs. Bodnar attended the Art and Virtues portion on the final day of the Summer Institute. At the end of the Institute, SMMA was recognized as a VBRD Certified School of Distinction and received a certificate and a banner from Lynne Lang, leader of the Summer Institute and the Director of School Climate, and George Henry, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Congratulatory hug from Superintendent George Henry.
Congratulations from Lynne Lang.
Mrs. Freiling holds SMMA's banner and certificate.
Mrs. Pagano played her guitar and sang for the prayer service and the certification ceremony during the Summer Institute.
SCHOOL YEAR 2013 - 2014
On our final day of school, we worshipped together at Mass. We celebrated students who had performed many hours of service and said good-bye to students who are leaving and a teacher who is retiring.
During our Call to Worship, we reviewed the virtues that we had highlighted during the year and placed class flags at the front of the altar.
Msgr. Norb and two new graduates led the students in a song from Dear Edwina that reminded us that nothing is impossible when Christ is in our hearts.
Sixth and seventh grade Christian Service Award winners were recognized for their more than 40 hours of service performed.
We invited Ms Villa forward to say good-bye to her.
Ms Villa was presented with a picture of herself in retirement celebration outerwear and with a heart filled with thumbprints of the students with the caption "You've touched our hearts."
Third graders played "Ode to Joy" as the closing song to the Mass.
Fifth grade student played the drums as he had at many of the school Masses during the school year.
FRIENDSHIP, CARING, LOVE, GRATITUDE
Students from several grade levels greeted everyone on the 8th graders last day with signs to congratulate the 8th graders and to wish them good-bye and good luck at their high schools next year.
The School Musical
Students in grades 3 through 8 used the virtues of patience, cooperation, kindness, responsibility, teamwork, and courage to put on a musical. They treated the school to a sneak peak during the day and then presented the show, Dear Edwina, to the community in the evening on Friday and Saturday nights. This musical served as a fundraiser for the school.
May Crowning
Led by our second graders who just celebrated their First Communion, we had an all school Mass with special prayers for Our Mother, Mary.
FAITH AND RESPONSIBILITY
Arrival time on Friday, May 9, demonstrated our students virtues of faith and responsibility very clearly. Some students came dressed in their First Communion clothes with their bookbags on their backs. Some carried laundry baskets to store items in for their play props. Some brought projects, book reports, and science experiments. Some had help from their brothers, sisters, and friends.
And, 3 new servers are off to get ready for Mass.
Arrival time on other days, you may find students holding signs to invite parents for the Virtue Mass or Parking Lot Prayer.
Parking Lot Prayer
Led by sixth grade and...
by third grade
FIELD DAY--MAY 6, 2014
Field Day was celebrated in the afternoon. Students participated in events in their Saint Families led by eighth graders. The eighth graders led the students from event to event, led chants, and helped to maintain enthusiasm and school spirit for the activities. This day is always
anticipated by the students for all the fun. It is also a celebration of community and virtues. The students use patience, kindness, cooperation, inclusion, responsibility, self-control, friendship, gratitude, caring and sharing. The event begins with a prayer as they gather in their saint family.
Here are some pictures from the afternoon.
When we finished outlast event, we relaxed with a cool treat.
On the morning of May 6 (Field Day), the Student Council treated the whole school to a movie and popcorn. Everyone came to the gym to watch the movie, Frozen. As we entered the gym, we were given a bag of popcorn. Everyone spontaneously joined in to sing the songs while watching the movie. It was great fun!
The bags of popcorn are ready to be given out by StuCo members.
Waiting for the movie to start!
I've got my pillow!
Waiting patiently.
My pillow is so comfy!
We even had an intermission.
Intermission over--Back to our seats.
Eighth graders sat in the bleachers.
After the movie was over, StuCo began to clean up so the gym could be ready for Field Day.
HAPPY 800TH BIRTHDAY TO ST. LOUIS, the patron saint of our city
King Louie greeted students as they arrived at school.
A special guest joined us before Mass on April 25. St. Louis answered questions and told us about his life. He told us that as king, it was his duty to serve the people and then suggested that we join him in worshipping and praising God. After Mass, we joined St. Louis for a picture and an ice cream treat.
PARKING LOT PRAYER
With the arrival of spring, Parking Lot Prayer has returned.
Our fourth graders and seventh graders led us in prayer.
We moved it to in front of the church.
KT joined us on their way to their carpools.
We renewed our commitment to the virtues.
We invited our parents to join us in prayer at dismissal time.
Saint Families met to plan for Field Day.
Our eighth graders planned cheers and
posters and
banners.
During Catholic Schools Week, we highlighted our Virtue Based Restorative Discipline program with a display of our flags, posters, and an explanation of the program. FOCUS members manned a table to answer questions and to lead tours of the school, with emphasis on the virtue projects done in each grade level.
We did it! We had more than 4900 Acts of Kindness at 4900 Ringer Road between the New Year and Valentine's Day. Each angel represented 25 acts of kindness recorded.
Eighth graders Sabrina, Kayla, and Jordyn invite the parents to join them for prayer on the parking lot.
Students led prayer.
Parents and siblings joined us.
Advent Prayer Service
Alex, Alex, and Claire lead k-4th grades in song as we begin Advent.
2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR
On the feast day of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a group of students greeted other students and parents at the drop-off line in the morning.
==============================================================================================================================
Farewell to Fr. Noah Waldman: At his last school mass at SMMA, the students presented him with a spiritual bouquet, a plant, and a bank in the shape of Noah's Ark.
Just because we had a little rain on field day and the field was too wet, our spirits did get dampened. We all enjoyed a trip to the snow cone truck and games in the gym. Thanks Mrs. Krus for all your hard work.
Field day was fun, even with the rain.
Bubbling Over with Excitement about the Virtues!
SMMA's virtue flags on display.
St. Family Activities - February 29, 2016
Many St. Families made LENTEN CROSSES from clothespins.
St. Casimir Family making Hearts of Courage that let the light shine through them.
SMMA celebrates Dress a Teacher for the homeless day. Students voted with their pennies to pick the teachers to dress up. We raised over $400.
Mission Carnival--planned by 8th grade, run by 8th grade, fun for all...
JENGA !!!
Catholic Schools Week Fun
Welcome to SMMA Day!
We celebrated the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque by learning about her life and her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.Friday Prayer Partner Masses are a favorite for the students. They sit with their prayer partners. The older students help them find places in the song books and provide role models for them. The younger students just love spending time with their partners.
Our families come in many ways to celebrate with us--parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Our monthly Virtue Mass is a family commitment and celebration.
FAMILIES ATTENDING OUR VIRTUE MASSES
Families come for the monthly virtue mass, pledge their commitment to a family virtue, and sit together for the celebration of the Eucharist.
VIRTUE COMMITMENT MASS (VBRD KICK-OFF)
Dr. V. Gudha Beet showed us how to use the virtues to make the perfect chemistry for a happy life.
8th grade provided the music and inspiration.
8th graders are collecting the virtue bubbles the children made.
8th grade and 7th grade doing the readings.
WELCOME TO A BRAND NEW SCHOOL YEAR --2015-2016
Come on friend, ride with us.
Take a ride upon our bus.
Arrival on the first day of school.
Greetings from Msgr. Norb and Mrs. Freiling
Prayer Service on the first day
Welcome to the new students....
Welcome to the new teachers...
Our journey begins...
with a good attitude...
and effort...
and cooperation...
and interest and enthusiasm.
Take a ride on
our energy bus.
2014-2015
MAY CROWNING
ARRIVAL TIME
Arrival time means faith and responsibility as students come to school with their bookbags packed with homework, supplies, and essentials for a day at school. Second graders came dressed in their First Communion clothes for Mass and the May Crowning. Students also brought tasty treats for a Cinqo de Mayo festival in Spanish classes, car seats for field trips, and canned goods for the homeless. Sometimes it is too much to carry and someone else needs to lend a hand.
Families gathered to present their shields at the May Virtue Mass where first grade highlighted the virtue of kindness.
FIELD DAY AT SMMA!
It was a beautiful, warm (but not hot) day in May. The 8th graders lead their Saint Families from game to game that the parent volunteers had set up for them to play. At the end of the day, everyone had popsicles.
Families gathered to present their shields at the Virtue Mass in April.
After presenting their shields, the families sat together for Mass.
Families gathered in March to present their Virtue Shields at mass.
Families gathered to present their Virtue Shields at the February Virtue Mass.Fourth grade highlighted the virtue of Self-Control and led us during the Virtue Mass.
Fourth grade showed us what self-control looks like and what it sounds like.
For Catholic Schools Week, all of the Family Virtue Shields were on display in the hallways of SMMA!
A close up view of a few of the Family Virtue Shields:
January Virtue Mass celebrating the virtue of Friendship with the families presenting their Virtue Shields
Before going home for our two week Christmas break, we gathered to celebrate the Eucharist together. The sixth graders reminded us to Prepare the Way of the Lord.
During Advent, students in K-4 gathered together for a weekly prayer service on Monday mornings.
Families gather for the monthly Virtue Mass and presentation of their family virtue shields.
THANKSGIVING MASS
The Thanksgiving Mass is always a favorite. It begins with all of the 8th graders singing about being thankful.
Then, Monsignor Norb leads the students in song about what they are grateful for. The students are eager to share.
At the Offertory, the students bring forth their loose change Key Players gifts to present.
Eighth graders carry trays of food to represent the food donations that the students have collected.October 1 Virtue Mass and Family Shield Presentation
Thanks to all the families who presented their shields at this mass.
Eighth grade taught us about the virtue of responsibility and what it means.
Commitment Mass - September 24, 2014
Every student at SMMA chose a virtue that they want to work on this year and wrote the virtue on a leaf. The leaves were attached together to form a tree.
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2014-2015
Our day began with the arrival of students being greeted by teachers, the principal, and Monsignor Norb. Many parents walked with their children. We began the day with a prayer over the PA system and had a prayer service in the church.
PLANNING FOR SCHOOL 2014 - 2015
Many teachers attend classes, workshops, and seminars during the summer on various topics. This summer, eleven teachers from SMMA: Mrs. Tague, Mrs. Diel, Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Stievens, Mrs. Hasenstab, Mrs. Schneider, Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Pagano, Mrs. Cashel, Mrs. Proot, and Mrs. Freiling; attended the four day Virtue Based Restorative Summer Institute. Mrs. Bodnar attended the Art and Virtues portion on the final day of the Summer Institute. At the end of the Institute, SMMA was recognized as a VBRD Certified School of Distinction and received a certificate and a banner from Lynne Lang, leader of the Summer Institute and the Director of School Climate, and George Henry, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
SCHOOL YEAR 2013 - 2014
On our final day of school, we worshipped together at Mass. We celebrated students who had performed many hours of service and said good-bye to students who are leaving and a teacher who is retiring.
Msgr. Norb and two new graduates led the students in a song from Dear Edwina that reminded us that nothing is impossible when Christ is in our hearts.
Third graders played "Ode to Joy" as the closing song to the Mass.
FRIENDSHIP, CARING, LOVE, GRATITUDE
The School Musical
Students in grades 3 through 8 used the virtues of patience, cooperation, kindness, responsibility, teamwork, and courage to put on a musical. They treated the school to a sneak peak during the day and then presented the show, Dear Edwina, to the community in the evening on Friday and Saturday nights. This musical served as a fundraiser for the school.May Crowning
Led by our second graders who just celebrated their First Communion, we had an all school Mass with special prayers for Our Mother, Mary.FAITH AND RESPONSIBILITY
Arrival time on Friday, May 9, demonstrated our students virtues of faith and responsibility very clearly. Some students came dressed in their First Communion clothes with their bookbags on their backs. Some carried laundry baskets to store items in for their play props. Some brought projects, book reports, and science experiments. Some had help from their brothers, sisters, and friends.Arrival time on other days, you may find students holding signs to invite parents for the Virtue Mass or Parking Lot Prayer.
Parking Lot Prayer
Led by sixth grade and...
by third grade
FIELD DAY--MAY 6, 2014
Field Day was celebrated in the afternoon. Students participated in events in their Saint Families led by eighth graders. The eighth graders led the students from event to event, led chants, and helped to maintain enthusiasm and school spirit for the activities. This day is always
anticipated by the students for all the fun. It is also a celebration of community and virtues. The students use patience, kindness, cooperation, inclusion, responsibility, self-control, friendship, gratitude, caring and sharing. The event begins with a prayer as they gather in their saint family.
Here are some pictures from the afternoon.
When we finished outlast event, we relaxed with a cool treat.
On the morning of May 6 (Field Day), the Student Council treated the whole school to a movie and popcorn. Everyone came to the gym to watch the movie, Frozen. As we entered the gym, we were given a bag of popcorn. Everyone spontaneously joined in to sing the songs while watching the movie. It was great fun!
We even had an intermission.
Intermission over--Back to our seats.
After the movie was over, StuCo began to clean up so the gym could be ready for Field Day.
HAPPY 800TH BIRTHDAY TO ST. LOUIS, the patron saint of our city
A special guest joined us before Mass on April 25. St. Louis answered questions and told us about his life. He told us that as king, it was his duty to serve the people and then suggested that we join him in worshipping and praising God. After Mass, we joined St. Louis for a picture and an ice cream treat.
PARKING LOT PRAYER
With the arrival of spring, Parking Lot Prayer has returned.
Our fourth graders and seventh graders led us in prayer.
We moved it to in front of the church.
KT joined us on their way to their carpools.
We renewed our commitment to the virtues.
We invited our parents to join us in prayer at dismissal time.
Saint Families met to plan for Field Day.
Our eighth graders planned cheers and
posters and
banners.
During Catholic Schools Week, we highlighted our Virtue Based Restorative Discipline program with a display of our flags, posters, and an explanation of the program. FOCUS members manned a table to answer questions and to lead tours of the school, with emphasis on the virtue projects done in each grade level.Advent Prayer Service